Agape Freedom Sports LLC

Written By: Daniel Bohenek | Staff Writer

• Agape Freedom Sports

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Kirsten Finarelli, a senior standout at Lake-Lehman High has made a name for herself both on the softball field and in the classroom. Finarelli has committed to Penn State University, where she plans to study biobehavioral health. Her ultimate goal is becoming an orthopedic physician assistant.
Finarelli’s athletic achievements are as impressive as they come. She posted a .597 batting average and a .971 fielding percentage during her high school career — statistics that place her among the best in Lehman softball history.

Outside of games, Finarelli is constantly training, whether it’s in the weight room or on the field.

Her dedication stems from a deep support system that includes her coaches, family and teammates.

“Coach Nikki has been my coach since little league — she is practically my second mother,” Finarelli said. “Coaches Kim, Scott, Emily, Dan and Joe, along with my club coaches, have done so much for me other these last few years and this past season. My trainer Jessie Williams has made me so much stronger and my hitting coach, Dennis Smeding keeps my head space in the right place.

She also credits her family for playing a crucial role in her upbringing.

“My parents and my brother have always been in my corner,” she said. “They’ve supported me through good games and bad. My brother, who plays Division I baseball at Monmouth University, is my biggest role model. I started playing because of him.”

Finarelli’s work ethic is unlike any other. She recalls some days where she attended both travel and high school practices, still finding time at the end of the day to complete batting practice with her father.

“There were times where I did not want to do anything but still got up to do it because I knew I had to if I ever want to be the best,” she said.

As a catcher, Finarelli takes pride in managing the game and calming her pitchers.

“One of the best aspects of my position is controlling the game and keeping the pitcher calm,” she said.
Finarelli has tons of memories with the Lake Lehman Knights, but one sticks out above the rest.

“My favorite memory is when they accidentally played ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ instead of the national anthem before a game,”she said.

When asked about why someone should attend Lake Lehman high school, Finarelli elaborated on why you don’t have to be an incredible athlete to be a Knight.
Lehman takes academics seriously. Lake Lehman is a school that puts students first and has an incredible community of teachers who support their students.
She encourages younger athletes to enjoy the game and never take a moment for granted.

“Play like it’s your last game, every game,” she said.
For students considering Lake-Lehman softball, Finarelli offershigh praise for the program.

“We have an amazing softball program and incredible coacheswho care,” she said.

At the next level, Finarelli believes that her hitting skills will help her excel most.

As she prepares for her future at Penn State, Finarelli remains grateful.

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without all my coaches, teammates and family,” she said.